Spellbound Stories: A Cozy Fantasy Novella (Book 2)

by Amber Leigh Larrain

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2026

Reviews

[Hemakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.75⭐)

Received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

We always try to live our life a certain way, try to do things the right way. But sometimes it's better to just be. Willow, who has been living in the Sapphire Forest since a year after inheriting her aunt's enchanted bookshop and cafe, is still adjusting to the life there after her busy life in New York. She is still learning, making relationships and working on herself more to try to fit in, or just try to live with people who genuinely love and care for her. But right now, she wants only 1 thing, celebrate the 1st anniversary of her coming to this forest and truly starting a new life.

This is my second book of the author and even though it's the second in a series, I instantly fell in love with the characters, their relationships, the setting, the forest. Seriously, I feel so warm and fuzzy and happy!!! This is sooooooooo good!! So perfect!! The story is the strongest!!! I never wanted it to end😭

I loved how these characters were so fleshed out, and how quickly I connected and related with each one of them. I understood Willow's anxiety, loved Embery's personality, loved Daylin's patience and loved how fierce Faeble was when it comes to her people. This story is still high on the re-readability scale.

Also, author, what have you put in here😭 making me cry was not fair!! This story was so beautiful and heartbreaking and calming at the same time. It calmed something in me, like stepping away from the noise!! I know it's a novella but it was done so beautifully. I never felt it was rushing, to the celebration or to the conclusion of the book.

It was such a short cozy story that now I want more of this universe and but 1st, I'll start with the 1st book in the series 🤭

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC courtesy of the Author


“People don’t change, Willow.”
“Sure they do! Look at us. Two loners who found friendship in each other.”

This cozy prequel fantasy novella delivered everything I hoped from my first fantasy read ever!

This book transported me into a whole new world of love, friendship, ups and downs, and finding oneself in the midst of a hard time. Willow is an empathetic human dropped into a world that is far from her own, and in time it becomes her home. This was such a feel good story. ❤️

Going from reading the authors psychology thrillers to this beautiful fantasy story was a jump, but Ambers writing is so amazing that I read this series in a day! 🫶🏼

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
This was book two in the Spell Bound Stories novella series. This book stepped up it gave more interpersonal communications among the characters. It gave more complications and tribulations. It made it more realistic but with a fantastical aspect to it as well. We get to dive in deeper with our FMC. We get to strengthen our bonds with our coworkers, town members, learn the joys and hardships of owing our own business. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery series that has relationship building, looking in to oneself and also mystery aspects about secrets revealed. Look no further.

[Misty Severance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved being able to ARC read for the second book in the Spellbound Stories Novella Series. This book is a super cute cozy book that continues from the first book. Willow who has been running the bookshop for a year starts to get a better understanding about the town and she starts to learn more about the people who work with her and live in town. The book touches on grief, second chances, friendship, growth and perseverance. I will say personally this book made me cry at some parts. That is because Amber definitely knows how to connect with the readers and the book is very relatable. I can't wait to see what is next for willow!!!

[L.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely continuation of the first book! Book 2 is a super fun, cozy fantasy story with so much heart. It delightfully tells about the growth of Willow and her friends, and shows the development of relationships and friendships. Truly heartwarming.
I love all the characters especially Embery.

[A Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novella - it is just as cute and cozy as the first one. It was fun to be back in the same world with the same unique and quirky characters.

I love the quote, “she realized in that moment that she wasn’t a book seller; she was a seller of dreams, hobbies, adventures, and love stories. A book could teach you anything, take you anywhere, and make you a better you… if you let it.”

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars! Another cute, cozy read from Amber. I loved seeing a little more from other characters, some new and some old, and learning more about the history of the town they all live in. I can’t wait to see if Willow will fall in love with someone new (or maybe someone she already knows!)

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cozy continuation of the first story! After owning the bookshop for a year, Willow finds friends and community are the best. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Spellbound Stories!

[Ashley Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy fantasy was just what I needed. I love this community that Willow has become a part of. It was wonderful to see how she has settled into the town in the past year and the effect kindness can truly have on those around you. It was a great reminder that you never know what someone is going through or what they have been through in their past and that second chances can be successful.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet and cute. I enjoyed learning more about the town and seeing citizens become closer friends. I appreciated how Willow addressed her worries and handled adversity. Seems like such a magical place, would love to visit and try one of Daylin's lattes.

[Rose Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect sequel to the first novella. I was thrilled to be able to step back into that world and see what happened next. Each character is so fabulous I want to hear all of their origin stories!

5 💜’s.

[Kristin Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 shows how Willow is doing in her knew home and as a book seller. You see relationships develop and get to know more about the other members of the town. This book touches on grief, growth, friendship, and belonging. A very heartwarming, feel-good story.

[Angela Perrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good curl up on the sofa read, whimsical and loving. Showing how we shouldn't judge others before getting to know them

[Victoria Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable 🥰 super quick and easy to read! I loved the characters!

[Jeanne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

This is a sweet and gentle story. There are some lovely quotable lines on friendship and self love. Loved being back in this kind world.

[Charlene Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little story and a pleasant read. I found the ending dragged a touch but otherwise a good read!